There are students who could write a twelve page story filled with interesting details, plot twists, and suspense. And, there are other students who are more reluctant and might prefer to write a four sentence story. So how do you ignite a child’s enthusiasm and love for writing if they are a bit reluctant? In our family, we cover the whole spectrum of writers. I’ve learned a few tips along the way and have a few fun {and free} resources to share. If you’d like to learn more about my tips and resources for creative writing check out the post below.
How We Learn Writing in Our Homeschool
Our family uses IEW’s writing program and we love it. I have been teaching this program for several years and have witnessed its effectiveness for both gifted and reluctant writers. IEW offers a systematic and incremental approach using narration and summarization to teach writing skills. Students start out summarizing simple paragraphs and stories and eventually learn to write essays. Writing feels attainable and the student is set up for success from day one.
So, why am I sharing ideas for creative writing? As much as I adore IEW, I also enjoy providing our kids with a change of pace through fun creative writing activities. In our homeschool, we do IEW Monday through Thursday and Friday is creative writing day.
Our Favorite Tips & Resources for Creative Writing
Our family has some favorite resources and a special space in our home that I’d like to share with you. Several of the resources are free and very easy to implement.
Tip #1: Play Storytelling Games
In our home we spend a lot of time reading aloud, talking about stories, and making up our own tales and legends. Storytelling games are a fun and easy way to teach about the elements of a story through play. They are also an easy way to ignite a child’s imagination without the worry of correct spelling, grammar, and handwriting. There are many fun storytelling games on the market. Here are three that we love to use in our homeschool.
Eeboo Fairytale Spinner Game
In this game players spin to select elements for their fairy tale: setting, hero, magical helper, rival, magical object, transportation, and treasure. It is recommended for ages 5+ and is a favorite in our home. We use this for family game night and I love that the kids are learning about setting, characters, plot, climax and resolution without even knowing it.
Once Upon a Time: Storyteller Card Game
This game uses cards with fairy tale elements but is a collaborative game. Players may use their own cards to interrupt the storyteller and become the new storyteller. The winner is the first player to use all his or her own cards. Creating a story together is fun and always results in lots of laughs. There are several theme-based add-on sets that you can purchase to enhance your storytelling fun.
Rory’s Story Cubes
These little cubes have different pictures on each face of the die. With six images per die and nice dice per set that provides 54 different images. To play, simply roll the die and add something to the story using that image. Telling the stories out loud will appeal to your youngest learners through adults. You can play cooperatively as a family or the game can be used independently using graphic organizers for a fun creative writing adventure. There are several versions available.
Tip #2: Set up a Creative Writing Center
I love Write Shop’s creative writing resources. Several years ago I used suggestions from Write Shop to set up our own writing center. Our kids love it and it’s something that has motivated their creative writing activities
Check out Write Shop’s post about setting up a homeschool writing center below.
Our Writing Center
These are the items we keep handy for creative writing Fridays.
Various types of paper
Rory’s Story Cubes graphic organizer
Colored pencils, markers, pencils, erasers
Staples, glue, brads, tape
Scissors
Stickers
Writing Center Inspiration
Tip #3: Provide fun Creative Writing Prompts
LEGO Writing Prompts from Homegrown Learners
WriteShop Writing Prompts & Spin-a-Story
Writing Prompts Organized by Age from Homeschool Giveaways and Freebies
Usborne Draw and Write Your Own Comics
Create your own topics with this free Topic Funnel printable from Hide the Chocolate